Contracts Manager

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low earth orbit in May 2026. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.

Vast is looking for a Contracts Manager to join our growing legal team, reporting directly to the General Counsel, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

This role will support customer contracts (both government and nongovernment) while Vast continues to design and build artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. This role will focus on the entire contract lifecycle–from pre-award activity (30%) to contract management (50%). The remaining time will be spent on developing policies and assisting with other contractual work (20%).

Responsibilities

• Pre-Award Responsibilities such as supporting proposal preparation and RFI responses along with reviewing terms and conditions of customer contracts and coordinating with the Legal Department to finalize review, provide internal advice regarding risks, and prepare mitigation strategies
• As part of contract management, you will serve as the primary liaison with government customers, overseeing all contractual matters and preparing formal written communications.
• Internally message contractual obligations, to include writing contract summaries and briefing executive leadership, to ensure internal stakeholders understand applicable requirements throughout the life of the contract
• Manage contract changes and maintain system of record for contracts and associated documents, including customer correspondence
• Manage the contract close-out process for government and commercial contracts with Vast’s customers
• Ensure timely delivery of all contractual deliverables and submission of invoices
• Assist in identifying, developing, and implementing new contract policies and processes, including developing and providing training on the same
• Develop strong, ongoing relationships both internally and with Vast’s customers
• Assist with nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) and compliance trainings
• Willing to travel to meet with Vast’s customers or end users
  
  
  

This position may be filled at either a Level III or Level IV depending upon candidate qualifications and experience.

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience with FAR/DFARS/NFS
• Experience managing prime government contracts
• Bachelor’s degree (requirement may be met by candidate holding government contract certifications or having many years of directly relevant experience)
  
  
  

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience in the defense/aerospace/space industry
• Knowledge of computer applications and the ability to easily navigate through different computer software programs
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Ability to make independent judgments with limited information
• Communication skills for relaying data (verbally and in-writing) between other employees and customers
• Logical and strategic approach to solving problems
• Comfortable balancing several projects at any given time and the flexibility to adjust for abrupt changes in strategic direction.
  
  
  

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time
• Willingness to work overtime or weekends to support critical mission milestones
  
  
  

Pay Range

• Contracts Manager III : $116,400 - $145,500
• Senior Contracts Manager : $140,600 - $184,300
  
  
  

Salary Range: California

$116,400—$184,300 USD

Compensation And Benefits

Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 10 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.

U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R.

• 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.
  
  
  

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.